< PreviousAFC Solar is currently one of the very few companies in the United States to both manufacture and install solar canopy turnkey solutions without using sub-contractor installers or sub fabricators. Keeping these scopes in-house helps achieve maximum quality and service, and keeps projects on schedule. This success is evidenced by the fact, despite being founded in 2021, it currently employs almost 70 people. So far, the company has fabricated and installed an incredi- ble 50 MW of solar carport garages and canopies across the East and West Coast. Zach Ward, VP and Managing Partner of AFC Solar comments, “Without the increased production capacity that AFC has achieved with their fabrication auto- mation, AFC Solar would not have been able to grow our labor force this quickly providing high quality construction jobs. So, the investments in the shop roll downhill to providing even more job opportunities. The robotics have also increased the quality of the steel fabrication we are seeing out in the field allowing for quicker installations.” +1 (877) 226–4501 sales@prodevcorobotics.com prodevcoind.com The PCR42 is our advanced robotic plasma steel cutting solution that combines CNC plasma cutting and torch technology with fully-automated robotics and laser measuring systems for best-in-class structural steel profile cutting, round tube processing, and plate capabilities, delivering the perfect blend of speed, precision, and complete 7-axis operation. Unsurprisingly, the decision to move into this sector has not affected the upward trajectory of AFC itself. With continued growth, the company is also currently focused on the fabrica- tion of miscellaneous OEM (original equipment manufacturer) metal products such as railings, stairs, light structural, and laser cut parts. For Morgan, this is where the brilliance of robot- ics steps in. "We have in-house powder coating. We actually own the largest powder coating oven in Texas, and we are now making parts for other manufacturers such as air compressor, HVAC and trailer companies. We fabricate high-volume parts that can be done robotically. From there, our clients take the parts to their own shops and complete the final assembly." It goes without saying that for a company to succeed in this business, cultivating relationships is of huge importance. According to Morgan, AFC operates with a “old-school” customer-focused approach. For him, this physical pres- ence when completing a project ensures that the customer remains satisfied throughout the job. “We like to get in front of our customers face to face. We are out there on construc- tion sites, and we work hand in hand with the stakeholders on every aspect of the project, from having input in the design and the engineering all the way through to completion.” As one of the foremost steel fabrication companies in the region, it is no surprise to learn that AFC has been involved in a number of top-quality projects. Discussing these, Morgan mentions two jobs in particular which showcase the level of professionalism the company provides. Being featured in CNN Travel the Pirelli building in New Haven, Connecticut, AFC fabricated, galvanized, painted, and installed 42.5 tons of structural steel while installing 648 PV panels. In addition to that, he notes the skill and technical expertise needed when working on the installation of 176 tons of structural steel and 1,806 PV panels for a long-span garage top mount system that AFC recently completed at Advent Hospital Orlando, Florida featured project in Solar Power World magazine. “So far, the company has fabricated and installed an incredible 50 MW of solar carport garages and canopies.” | 60 JULY 2023From early on, the adoption of new technologies has been a crucial aspect in enabling AFC to double in revenue and headcount year on year. Morgan says that the growth AFC has experienced is directly related to its growing use and involvement with the robotics field. "We purchased our first robot in 2019, which was a stationary robot for smaller parts. Last year, as we began producing greater levels of large structural members, we purchased our first Ocean Challenger, a structural steel robotic welding machine. We have the second one coming in August of this year, which should give us the capacity to produce around 300 tons of fabricated steel per week." While AFC employees focus on highly skilled processes, the robots perform the more time-consuming tasks. A good example, as Morgan explains, is the simple welding of hundreds of linear feet of canopies. For him, the ability of a robot to complete this task allows the in-house skill that AFC has in abundance to really shine. "It may take our skilled, certified employees a full day to do one beam. So, we let the robot do the easy stuff. It does it more efficiently and is able to increase our volume. While the employees can do skilled, higher value welding that the robot can't do." This willingness to adopt robotic automation has allowed AFC to both take on highly skilled staff and promote existing staff to management. Using machines to enable humans has been a winning strategy for AFC and its staff. It reflects a dynamic culture where the company's growth directly depends on its staff's personal and professional growth. "The first three employees I hired are still with the company, and all have grown into upper management. Almost all our employees have started from the bottom and worked their way up in some form or fashion.” As many within the industry still hold suspicions about the role that robotics may take, it is refreshing to find such a for- ward-thinking company. One that is welcoming rather than skeptical, innovative rather than reluctant. Thanks to an intel- ligent combination of human and artificial intelligence, AFC has grown steadily and is currently developing ambitious plans for the future. “We want to continue growing both in our area and in different regions of the US to better serve our customers,” says Morgan, who is already working towards this together with his team. For Americase Fabrication and Construction, the goal is to expand its culture of innovation, and to establish itself as a national reference in the manufac- turing of solar canopies and OEM products. If the achieve- ments of the past five years are anything to go by, Morgan and his team might get there sooner rather than later. | 61 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONWRITTEN BY MANUELA ARMINI C onstruction in the 21st Century is an industry with many challenges. While companies can adapt and grow with shifting landscapes and customer require- ments, keeping up with constantly evolving technologies tends to be a more difficult hurdle to clear. These are inno- vations that require specialized equipment and staff, both of which can be expensive and difficult to find. However, for those working in the field, upgrading to a knowledge base that can service these technologies can represent an exciting and rewarding way to build a profitable business. Canadian electrical and telecommunications contractor Seletech Elec- trical Enterprises Ltd. embraced this challenge before most and has achieved great success as a result. Delve into the realm of advanced electrical and telecommu- nications services with Seletech—a leading contractor deliv- ering comprehensive solutions. Their expertise spans com- mercial, industrial, and institutional projects, encompassing a diverse range of disciplines. The company was founded in May 1993 by Branko Selebay, and its focus has always been on high-quality work and direct customer service. Branko’s visionary leadership led him to seize a prime opportunity for Seletech’s expansion into tele- communications services in 2013. Due to a reshuffling at another contracting firm, a pool of talented staff suddenly became available. Branko wasted no time, swiftly hiring these highly skilled professionals resulting in an overnight doubling of Seletech’s size. The strategic move enabled the company to diversify their offerings by incorporating certi- fied structured cabling and turn-key fiber optic solutions. By swiftly capitalizing on this fortunate turn of events, Branko not only propelled Seletech’s growth but also solidified their standing as a formidable player in the industry. | 62 JULY 2023| 63 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONEmbracing their successful expansion into telecommunica- tions services, Seletech has maintained their forward-thinking approach. Recognizing the ever-evolving needs of their clients, they have further bolstered their team by incorporating key individuals who specialize in automation and controls. Not stopping there, Seletech has also expanded their repertoire to encompass a comprehensive range of security solutions. By continually adapting and enhancing their offerings, Seletech has positioned themselves as a contractor of choice, catering to the diverse needs of their clientele. By keeping their focus on providing a quality and skilled ser- vice, the company has flourished. Seletech now has offices in both Calgary and Edmonton with a network of partners that allows them to serve customers across Canada. The company employs more than 150 employees and continues to grow. "We have a very diverse group of individuals that work for us. We have people from all walks of life, all corners of the globe," says Shawn Bishop, Director of Operations. "I think that goes a long way to making it a great place to work. We've always looked for people who possess unique qualities, and as a result we have found some of the best people in the industry." Seletech's foundation lies in the electrical industry, where they have established themselves as a reputable provider of high-quality services. While encompassing the standard offerings one would expect from an electrical contractor, Seletech has gone above and beyond to position themselves as leaders in specialized areas of the trade. With an unwav- ering commitment to excellence, the company excels in fire alarm installation, automation and controls, and DC power solutions. This distinguished expertise sets Seletech apart, earning them a stellar reputation among clients. Their team of seasoned professionals possesses the experience and proficiency to seamlessly guide any electrical project from inception to completion. When it comes to both electrical and telecommunications sectors, Seletech remains dedicated to delivering top-notch service that exceeds expectations. Seletech has established a robust presence in the telecom- munications sector, with a strong focus in Alberta. Under the guidance of Brady Dayton RCDD, the telecommunications team leads the charge with expertise and passion. The company offers a comprehensive range of services that span from fundamental offerings like structured cabling and fiber optic installations to the intricate realm of outside plant (OSP) fiber optic installations. Ed Morgan, Director of Business Development, emphasizes the importance of being well-versed in all facets of connectivity, stating, "We need to be experts in everything that connects to a blue cable." Seletech takes pride in conducting most telecommunications services in-house, a strategic approach that ensures project efficiency and delivers significant cost savings for their cli- ents. Shawn Bishop, Director of Operations, highlights the company's unique position in the industry, stating, "When it comes to telecommunications, we stand out as one of the few companies engaged in every aspect of the field." This includes comprehensive offerings ranging from internal structured cabling and coax cabling to fiber optic cabling. Furthermore, | 64 JULY 2023PartnerPRO ® Network Congratulations Seletech on your 30th great year. Your partners at CommScope wish you continued growth and success! Seletech offers turnkey solutions that encompass civil work such as conduit and ducting installation, ensuring a seamless integration of cables. The company excels in every step of the process, from splicing and terminations to thorough testing and certifications. Additionally, Seletech boasts a team of experts skilled in wireless design, enabling them to design and implement wireless solutions for their valued clients. When working in a field as complex and nuanced as telecom- munications, it is important to maintain high standards. In this regard, Seletech goes to great lengths to ensure continuity and service. The company has a team of highly-skilled com- munication technicians, installers, and apprentices, along with the necessary proprietary equipment. This means that the company has complete control over their projects and can offer one of the most important services to their customers, reliability. Its fiber optics division is fully equipped with state- of-the-art fiber optic splicers and test equipment, making it capable of delivering the highest quality fiber optic results on any project. With a registered communications distribution designer on staff and full certifications with major manufac- turers like CommScope, Panduit, and Belden, the company can provide certification and warranty for a wide array of projects, including data center cabling and management. | 65 APEIRON CONSTRUCTION(403) 295-6100 Congratulations Seletech on your well-deserved success! With a 30-year track record of providing long-term quality services, it is no surprise to learn that Seletech has won over many loyal clients, including all major telecommunications providers in Alberta. Shawn explains that at Seletech, working with customers is more than a transaction. "We look for rela- tionship-based opportunities and not just lowest price wins. Our goal is to work with our customers long-term so that we can provide services for them on both large and small projects." These relationships, like all successful partnerships, are based on longevity and stability and form the cornerstone of the company’s success. By prioritizing flexibility and respon- siveness to their clients' evolving needs, Seletech have wit- nessed remarkable triumphs along the way. Shawn recounts an instance where an existing client approached them with an unconventional request: residential service expansion. Although this was not a service Seletech offered at the time, the client believed in their potential and recommended trusted individuals for the task. Seletech swiftly recruited and sup- ported these key personnel, resulting in remarkable growth, from a modest team of six to over 30 in-home residential experts, within a few months. It was an ambitious under- taking within a tight timeframe, but Seletech adapted swiftly and achieved resounding success. This remarkable achieve- ment stands as a testament to their ability to embrace new endeavors and excel in unfamiliar territories. Today, Seletech proudly continues to provide exceptional residential services, a testament to their enduring adaptability and commitment to meeting client demands. With three decades of industry expertise under their belt, Seletech understands the significance of staying ahead in the ever-evolving electrical and telecommunications landscape. Among the various aspects the company prides itself on, Bran- ko's leadership in safety stands out prominently. Recognizing the paramount importance of worker well-being, Seletech has diligently maintained its COR designation since 1999, solidify- ing their commitment to health and safety in the workplace. Shawn highlights the industry-wide shift towards an increased emphasis on safety, particularly in the industrial and com- mercial sectors. He affirms Seletech's longstanding culture of prioritizing safety and striving for excellence, stating, "We have always fostered a strong safety culture, with an unwavering focus on doing things the right way. Our ultimate goal is for every individual to return home safely at the end of the day." However, Shawn acknowledges that the administrative aspect of safety has required continual growth and development, an area in which Seletech have actively invested their efforts. | 66 JULY 2023Under Branko's leadership, Seletech remains dedicated to fostering a culture of safety, continually evolving and adapt- ing to meet the highest standards. The company's enduring commitment to worker well-being sets them apart as an industry leader, ensuring that safety remains at the forefront of their operations. However, it is in the area of technological advances that Shawn really sees the greatest evolution. For him however, it is simple; as technology develops, so does Seletech. "We're constantly keeping our eyes open for ways that we can be more efficient, staying current with trends and changes in technology." This is best demonstrated by Sele- tech’s commitment to investing in the necessary equipment, such as power analyzers, fiber optic test equipment, network test equipment, and Wi-Fi analyzers, to provide the best services for their customers. Additionally, they own a large fleet of vehicles, including bucket trucks, bucket vans, picker trucks, and scissor lifts, to ensure their work is not affected by potential shortages in rental equipment. As the industry progresses, Seletech have actively engaged in complex and intricate projects that reflect the evolving landscape. The company have become a key player in large- scale DAS (distributed antenna systems) projects, catering to telecommunications providers, hospitals, airports, and shop- ping malls throughout Alberta. Shawn highlights their current focus on in-building cellular solutions, which have gained paramount importance with the transition to 5G technology. The transition to 5G necessitates a significant increase in the quantity of radios and antennas, requiring a shift from single large antennas to multiple distributed ones. To exemplify the scale of their endeavors, Seletech is presently involved in a project that entails the installation of fifteen kilometers of hybrid fiber cable within a building. This project signifies the company's proficiency in managing and implementing cutting-edge technologies and infrastructure to meet the demands of a rapidly advancing industry. In an ever-evolving technological landscape, adaptability becomes paramount for companies to thrive. Looking ahead, Shawn envisions a balanced approach for Seletech, combining stability and long-term growth with nimbleness and adaptability. The company is driven by a dual purpose: supporting the local community and empowering individuals through meaningful change and growth. Seletech aims to become an employer of choice, fostering a work environment where the team takes pride in their contributions. With an unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and inno- vation, Seletech charts a trajectory of continued success. Their aim is to retain their esteemed reputation as one of Alberta's premier electrical and telecommunications con- tractors. Shawn emphasizes the gratification that comes from the work they do, stating, "The work we undertake is truly something to take pride in. Its positive impact on the community is tangible and rewarding." Seletech's unwavering dedication to their employees and the community, coupled with their adaptability and pursuit of excellence, positions them as a beacon of long-term sta- bility and growth. As they continue to evolve and innovate, Seletech strive to maintain their status as an industry leader, making a lasting and positive difference in the lives of their team and the community they serve. Seletech's journey exemplifies the potential for success when a company wholeheartedly embraces the challenges and opportunities presented by evolving technologies. Their com- mitment to connecting people through technology showcases their unwavering determination to not only adapt to change, but also shape the future of the industry. Seletech's accom- plishments serve as an inspiration and a testament to the rewards that lie in building a profitable business while fostering collaboration and harnessing the true potential of technology. “We’re constantly keeping our eyes open for ways that we can be more efficient, staying current with trends and changes in technology.” | 68 JULY 2023WRITTEN BY DAVID O’NEILL I t seems as though the pathway to a more sustainable construction industry is continuously being filled with roadblocks. Notwithstanding the strong lobby groups that advocate on behalf of environmentally destructive materi- als such as fossil fuels, there is the difficulty of change and viable alternatives. The industry is not one that necessarily welcomes change, given that many materials currently being used have been around for centuries. However, it is unfair, and simply not the case, to assume that the construction world is not adaptable. In fact, in countless ways the industry is nimble, innovative, and highly flexible. With the advancement of AI and 3D printing, we are seeing glimpses of a construction industry that embraces change and moves forward in a more positive and sustainable way. The problem is, however, that many con- struction materials and the way modern buildings are made mean that the industry finds itself in a difficult spot. Simply put, the level of pollution created by construction is too high. In a White Paper document published by the World Economic Forum in 2021, the Global Future Council on Net-Zero Transi- tion made stark warnings in relation to the necessary changes that need to take place on a global scale. “Three things need to happen to limit global warming to safe levels in line with the Paris Agreement: greenhouse gas emissions need to be halved by 2030; net-zero emissions must be achieved by 2050; and global emissions will need to become net-negative emissions after 2050.” While many will be familiar with the term net-zero in relation to carbon emissions, the concept of ‘net-negative’ is some- what more recent. The International Energy Agency explains it as follows. “Carbon neutrality, or “net zero,” means that any CO2 released into the atmosphere from human activity is balanced by an equivalent amount being removed. Becom- ing carbon negative requires a company, sector, or country to remove more CO2 from the atmosphere than it emits.” With the construction industry being heavily reliant on concrete, a material that accounts for almost one tenth of the world’s carbon emissions alone, it appears the industry is facing an incredibly difficult task to bring it to fruition. | 69 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONNext >